Issue 4 2007

NEW SOUTH WALES Ian Hanson
Transformations
Beverly Hills: The twin cinemas on King Georges Road
which closed in September, are to reopen in 2008 as a boutique complex of five screens.
Katoomba: Three new cinemas for The Edge will increase program flexibility.

New Screens

Charlestown (Newcastle): The exhibitor for the cinema complex under construction is not yet public knowledge. Hoyts operates an eight-screen complex in this suburb.
Rouse Hill: Reading will be the exhibitor at this nine-screen complex (three Gold Lounges) under construction at the Town Centre. The cinemas will open early in 2008.

VICTORIA Fred Page
North-West Lights Up
The Rex Charlton officially became community property on Friday 2 November. Exactly one week later the Roxy Ouyen, 200 km further north on the same highway also re-opened under community ownership.
The rebirth of the Roxy was the culmination of four years work by Jenny Heaslip from Mildura TAFE and the 250 volunteers she inspired to bring about the physical transformation. Federal, State and Rural City grants and public donations saw the project over the line. The restoration preserves the 'tropical' lattice walls, which make the theatre unique in Victoria.
Two congratulatory plaques were presented; one from CATHS, the other from the Rex committee.
Rex Treasurer Haydn Jones said that the district rallied and raised $91,000 within three weeks!

Lights Out at Dandenong
Village Dandenong closed 10 October. No stampede in by other exhibitors seems likely.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Colin Flint
Vale Regent
Work on the former Regent Rundle Mall will include escalators to the first floor, which will become a giant showroom for JB Hi Fi. The original ceiling and walls will stay.
Much of the marble stairway from 1927, re-laid for the 1967 alterations, may get a third life. The marble has been stacked in a laneway.

TASMANIA Ray Peck
A Short Life
Liverpools, which was to be Hobart's new concept in dining and cinema (CR56) has closed. Inadequate car parking is said to be a factor in its demise.

State Plans
The State North Hobart may add a fourth screen and book shop if approval is granted.


NEW ZEALAND David Lascelles
Openings
Upper Hutt: The Ascot Cinema Complex opened on 31 August. It has four screens and seating capacities of 130,120, 60 and 40.
Christchurch Central: Metro Gold Class Cinemas were scheduled to open in late October. The three-screens are said to emulate the d‚cor of the picture palace era.

In A Holding Pattern
The Paramount Wellington was passed in at tender. This didn't stop the 90th birthday celebrations by invitation-only guests.

Readings Goes Shopping.
Reading's property company has purchased land in Wiri and Taupo. They also bought the Octagon cinema complex in Dunedin, which makes them Hoyts landlord.
Eviction Likely
The tiny Metro Dunedin, where CATHS members were royally entertained on their 2005 visit, may be forced to close. The theatre is a tenant in the Town Hall annexe and the city wants to redevelop the space. Revoking the lease will mean a big payout.